‘Diversity: The Gift of Islam’: Joint Conference to by held by the Muslim Institute and Imaan

‘Diversity: The Gift of Islam’: Joint Conference to by held by the Muslim Institute and Imaan

Saturday, 10 May to Sunday, 11 May 2014 10:00am to 4:00pm

We are pleased to announce an upcoming conference jointly organised by the Muslim Institute and Imaan, the British lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) Muslim organisation. The conference will take place in London on May 10th and 11th 2014.

This conference aims to explore the Islamic ethos of respect for diversity, specifically in the context of Muslims in plural societies. Imam Malik ibn Anas, the great classical scholar of Islamic jurisprudence, once asserted to the Caliph Harun al-Rashid, ‘Diversity of opinion is Allah’s gift to the ummah’. This is the starting point for our conference, to explore how Islam can provide a space that includes and respects diversity of opinion and the plight of vulnerable minorities within Muslims communities. Through our plenaries, workshops and informal discussions, we hope to live out and extend the Islamic values of critical inquiry, justice, community-building and learning. We hope that the cross-pollination of ideas and experiences amongst our panellists and participants will inspire us to incorporate them in the various aspects of our lives.

A joint conference of this kind is a natural collaboration for the Muslim Institute and Imaan. The Muslim Institute emphasises the diversity and plurality of Islam and Muslims to promote dialogue, cooperation and collaboration between Muslims and other cultures, with the creation of a thriving, dynamic and forward-looking Muslim community as one of its key objectives. Similarly, one of Imaan’s core aims is to promote the Islamic values of peace, social justice and tolerance through its work, and aspires to bring about a world that is free from prejudice and discrimination against all Muslims.

Thus, the coming together of the two organisations is an exciting opportunity to bring together a variety of scholars, leaders and activists to share how diversity can be embraced in practical, do-able ways in contemporary Muslim societies. Topics covered will include overcoming sectarian divisions among Muslims, upholding gender equality and justice, the treatment of Muslims sexual minorities, and re-engaging young British Muslims on Islam.

The two-day Conference will stress the Islamic ethos of respect, justice and tolerance, focused on the humanisation of all minorities, and will be independent from any political affiliation. The Conference Registration
Fee is £30 per person (with a £15 Concessionary Fare for students, asylum seekers and the unwaged). These fees will be used to cover Speakers’ and venue costs and will include lunch on both days.

To register, please complete the registration form and email to tawseef@imaan.org.uk or samia@musliminstitute.org.

For further information or queries, to volunteer your skills, experience or time for the Conference, please do not hesitate to contact us on the above details.